After a group of nurses from Marie Curie road-tested a selection of our ladies’ styles – giving a resounding thumbs-up – we recruited a group of gentlemen from the staff at Marie Curie to put our men’s collection to the test. Here’s what they had to say…
Alastair Johnson
Fundraising Volunteer Development Manager
Style Reviewed: Apollo
Alastair Johnson
Tell us about your job:
My job is to help Marie Curie volunteers to raise money and spread awareness of the charity either individually or in fundraising groups. I enjoy meeting all of the fantastic volunteers who give up their time to help Marie Curie. They are a special bunch, out and about come rain or shine, but always with a smile on their face. I find them inspiring.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I am a father of an energetic 6-year old, step father to three more great kids, husband of a primary school teacher and owner of two semi-obedient whippets. All of this keeps me pretty busy, but when I have time I love a good walk, camping and photography.
What were your first impressions of the shoes and how did they feel when you wore them?
I was pleased with the subtle colouring of the shoes and also the slightly retro sneaker styling. The material seemed of high quality and once on they were comfortable for a new shoe, something which should improve as they shape to my feet.
Where have you worn them so far?
I have worn them around my workplace and at home. My wife commented on the shoes looking well made.
Describe these shoes in 3 words:
Retro, subtle, quality.
How would you rate your new shoes?
Fit: 4/5, Quality: 5/5, Style Appeal: 3/5, Adjustability: 4/5, Durability: 4/5.
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Neil Andrews
Healthcare Assistant
Style reviewed: Boost
Tell us about your job:
I’m a Healthcare assistant working for Marie Curie’s Hospice at Home service. My role means that we are community based and travel to patients’ homes to support them and their families. I find this rewarding as we are welcomed in to their homes at what is a very personal and sensitive time for the patients and their families.
What do you do in your spare time?
My spare time is filled with my family and pets. I have a very busy home life supporting my wife as she has returned to education and is in university studying nursing. We also have 4 children of very different character and age range.
What were your first impressions of the shoes?
That they look smart and practical; I chose the black version of the shoes so I could wear them to work as well as when out with my family. When I first wore the shoes I was happy with the comfort. Even though they were a wider fit than what I am used to, over time this has become less noticeable. The shoes are a soft black leather which is helpful when driving or kneeling as they flex and do not cause discomfort to my feet and they have not got any fold lines, which has helped the shoes continue to look new.
Describe these shoes in 3 words:
Comfortable, practical, supportive.
Would you recommend these shoes and Hotter to family and friends?
I have recommended them to my father-in-law as he liked the shoes I have had through Hotter.
How would you rate your new shoes?
Fit: 4/5, Quality: 5/5, Colour: 5/5, Style Appeal: 4/5, Durability: 5/5
Antony Jones
Community Fundraiser
Style reviewed: Energise
Antony Jones
Tell us about your job:
I enjoy the variety of things involved in my role; I could be meeting business people one day, on a photo shoot the next, and am always meeting volunteers and supporters and new people who want to support Marie Curie.
Why are comfortable shoes important to you?
As part of my role I undertake community days – getting out and about talking to potential new supporters. This involves lots of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.
What were your first impressions of the shoes and how did they feel when you wore them?
They are very comfy and great for dog walking as the Velcro fastener makes taking them off at the door ideal to make sure dirty foot prints don’t make their way into the house.
Describe these shoes in 3 words:
Comfy, convenient, stylish
Would you recommend these shoes to family and friends?
I would; they are easy to take on and off, they wipe down easily and can be paired with any outdoor look – they look great coupled with cargo pants and that all-important rain-proof jacket needed when out walking in the British weather.
How would you rate your new shoes?
Fit: 5/5, Quality: 5/5, Style Appeal: 4/5, Adjustability: 5/5, Durability: 5/5.
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Michael Turnbull
Health Care Assistant
Style reviewed: Boost
Tell us about your job:
I work as part of a team of carers at West Midlands Hospice, Solihull. I find it most rewarding to contribute to end of life care in particularly vulnerable people.
Why are comfortable shoes important to you?
I walk an average of five miles a day during a 12 ½ hour shift, so making sure I care for my feet and joints is essential.
Where have you worn them and how did they feel?
I have been wearing them at work. I had confidence in knowing the shoes were practicable and presentable and durable enough for plenty of walking.
What were your first impressions of the shoes?
Compact, neat, smart, very comfortable immediately.
Would you recommend these shoes and Hotter to family and friends?
Yes, very comfortable.
How would you rate your new shoes?
Fit: 5/5, Quality: 5/5, Colour: 5/5, Style Appeal: 5/5, Adjustability: 5/5, Durability: 4/5.
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Gareth Toner
Major Gifts Executive
Style reviewed: Tobago
Gareth Jones
Tell us about your job:
My role involves working with charitable trusts, foundations and individuals, supporting those who want to make a large donation to our charity. I enjoy assisting with raising funds towards the care and support we provide to over 8,000 patients and their families every year in Scotland.
What were your first impressions of the shoes?
I was really pleased and impressed with the shoes, they are really comfortable and a much better fit than my old shoes I wore to work. They definitely have a bit of bounce to them and are very easy to walk in. They have a really nice finish as well.
Where have you worn them and how did they feel?
I have been wearing the shoes at work now for a few weeks and have received quite a few positive comments on the way they look. I also wore them to the football and they definitely kept me warm on a cold Friday night! I also attended an all-day conference wearing them and they were very comfortable, despite me being on my feet all day.
Was there anything else you liked about Hotter?
I wear a large shoe size and quite often don’t have a lot of choice when shoe shopping or struggle to get a shoe I like in my size, so it’s great that Hotter has such a wide choice in size 12 and I am able to order these shoes right away.
Would you recommend these shoes and Hotter to friends and family?
I would recommend this style as they are really comfortable, good quality shoes and they are great for both work and casual wear. I would say that Hotter has a wide range of comfortable and well-designed shoes and would definitely recommend Hotter in general to a friend.
How would you rate your new shoes?
Fit: 5/5, Quality: 5/5, Colour: 4/5, Style Appeal: 5/5, Adjustability: 4/5, Durability: 5/5.
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Paul Chapman
Fundraising Manager
Style reviewed: Tobago
Tell us about your job:
My role involves identifying opportunities to partner with businesses to achieve mutually beneficial fundraising relationships.
Why are comfortable shoes important to you?
I do a fair bit of walking so having a comfortable pair of shoes is important.
What were your first impressions of the shoes?
The smell of the leather was lovely! They looked comfortable and when I put them on for the first time they lived up to expectation.
When and where would you wear these shoes?
I would probably wear them on occasions where I have to be on my feet a lot but it’s not appropriate to wear more casual-looking trainers. And when it’s raining!
How would you explain Hotter Shoes to a friend?
If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable shoe, check them out!
How would you rate your new shoes?
Fit: 3/5, Quality: 5/5, Colour: 5/5, Style Appeal: 4/5, Adjustability: 3/5.
Throughout 2018 we aimed to raise £75,000 for Marie Curie to help towards the funding of specialist care and support for patients living with terminal illnesses. Read about our partnership with Marie Curie and our plans for 2019!
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